Congressman Buchanan presents Fire Rescue and EMS Awards

SARASOTA, FL-U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (FL-16) will announce the winners of the 2013 Congressional Fire and Rescue & EMS Awards (CFREA) on Tuesday. Buchanan established the awards in 2012 to give special recognition to fire fighters, fire departments and units for exceptional achievement.

“To be a first responder is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others,” said Buchanan. “Every day these individuals are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get `the call.’ I believe these awards are a fitting tribute to our first responders and a reminder of the important role they play in our communities.”

CFREA winners were chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired fire, rescue and EMS personnel representing a cross-section of the district’s first responder community.